The Norse Eddas and Sagas - The Volsunga Saga

The Story of the Volsungs and Niblungs, With Certain Songs from the Elder Edda

The Volsunga Saga, or the story of the Volsung family, is one of the earliest remaining examples of epic poetry, dating back to at least 1000 c.e. It tells of the adventures of a number of heroes, including Sigurd the Dragon Slayer (who served as inspiration for Aragorn in Lord of the Rings), and his lover, the shieldmaiden Brynnhildr. Odin himsel fmakes regular appearances, typically as a one-eyed old man wrapped in a hooded cloak.